JP2011010992A - Radiographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographing apparatus, precisely confirming whether a radiographing overlapping region provided in adjacent radiographing ranges is set in a remarked portion of a subject before radiographing.SOLUTION: In long-length radiographing, a long-length radiographing range is determined, and the long-length radiographing range is divided into ranges corresponding to radiographing two or more times. Before radiographing, in order to confirm whether a radiographing overlapping region OL provided in the adjacent radiographing ranges in dividing the long-length radiographing range is set in the remarked portion of the subject M, a predetermined position of the radiographing overlapping region OL is irradiated by a laser line marker irradiation control means. The predetermined position of the radiographing overlapping region OL can be designated by a laser line marker 6a, so that it is possible to precisely decide whether the radiographing overlapping region OL is set in the remarked portion. Thus, setting of the radiographing range can be facilitated.

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus that captures an X-ray image, and in particular, obtains a plurality of continuous X-ray images, and connects a plurality of X-ray images by image processing to provide a wide range of images. The present invention relates to a technique of long photographing that acquires a single long image.

  In recent years, as a method for imaging a region larger than the detection surface of the X-ray detector (for example, the entire spine and the entire lower limb), a plurality of X-ray images are acquired and connected to obtain a single X-ray image. Long shooting is widely used (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  In long imaging, first, the imaging distance between the subject and the X-ray tube is fixed, the long imaging range is determined, and divided into ranges that fit within the detector range of the X-ray detector. Determine the shooting range. Each shooting range is divided so that a part of the adjacent shooting range overlaps. A plurality of continuous X-ray images are acquired by moving the imaging range divided every time imaging is performed. A single X-ray image is acquired by performing image processing and joining regions obtained by overlapping the acquired X-ray images.

JP 2004-358254 A JP 2007-135692 A JP 2007-185209 A

  However, such long shooting has the following problems. In other words, when photographing a long image range continuously, X-ray photography has variations in image quality such as density within the area to be photographed. The image quality of the area is degraded, making it difficult to observe. For example, when taking a long image of the entire lower limb as the imaging range with a load applied to the knee, and grasping the entire lower limb and paying attention to the knee joint, follow-up observation is performed. If the imaging overlap region is entered, it is necessary to observe the knee joint portion with an X-ray image having a reduced image quality. In addition, since the imaging overlap region in the imaging range adjacent to the long imaging range is imaged twice, it becomes a burden for a portion (for example, a reproductive organ) where X-ray imaging is desired to be suppressed. For these reasons, it is required to remove from an imaging overlap area in an adjacent imaging range at an attention location such as a location where observation is desired to be observed or a location where X-ray irradiation is desired to be suppressed. If the point of interest enters the imaging overlap area, X-ray imaging may be performed again. Therefore, it is required to prevent excessive X-ray irradiation to the subject in advance.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and accurately determines whether or not an imaging overlap area provided in an adjacent imaging range is set as a target location of a subject before X-ray imaging. It is an object to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that can be confirmed.

  As a result of earnest research, the inventor of the present application has obtained the following knowledge. That is, before the X-ray imaging, the operator has confirmed the imaging range at each imaging position by irradiating the entire surface of each imaging range with a collimator lamp. However, since long imaging is performed by connecting a plurality of X-ray imaging images, it is required to suppress distortion of each X-ray imaging image, and it is generally necessary to increase the imaging distance (about 2 to 3 m). . For this reason, in the light irradiation by the collimator lamp, the end of the photographing range irradiated with the light is blurred and becomes difficult to check. This is the same even if the room for photographing is darkened. That is, it is difficult to determine whether or not an imaging overlap area provided in an adjacent imaging range is set as a target location of the subject by light irradiation with a collimator lamp, and the setting of the imaging range cannot be facilitated. There was found.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above findings, and in order to achieve the object, the following configuration is adopted. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a collimator that adjusts the X-ray irradiation field, and detects an X-ray tube that irradiates the subject with X-rays and an X-ray that has passed through the subject. An X-ray detector, a laser line marker for irradiating a laser beam irradiated in a line shape in a direction orthogonal to the body axis direction of the subject as viewed from the X-ray tube, and a set long imaging range A shooting range dividing unit that divides the shooting range into a plurality of shooting ranges so that a part of adjacent shooting ranges overlaps, and position data of a plurality of shooting ranges divided by the shooting range dividing unit And a laser line marker irradiation control means for controlling the irradiation overlap area to calculate the irradiation overlap area and to irradiate the imaging overlap area with laser light from the laser line marker.

  According to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the imaging overlap area provided in the adjacent imaging range when the long imaging range is divided into a plurality of imaging ranges is not set as the target location of the subject. In order to confirm this, a predetermined position of the imaging overlap area is irradiated with a laser line marker. By using the laser line marker, it is possible to clearly irradiate a predetermined position of an imaging overlap area in an adjacent imaging range even when the imaging range is far away. Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the imaging overlap area is set as a target location of the subject, so that the setting of the imaging range can be facilitated.

  An example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined position of the imaging overlap area is an end of the imaging overlap area. Since the end of the imaging overlap area can be clearly irradiated with the laser line marker, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the imaging overlap area is set as a target location.

  An example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined position of the imaging overlap area is a midpoint of the imaging overlap area. Since the midpoint of the imaging overlap area can be clearly irradiated with the laser line marker, it can be accurately determined whether or not the imaging overlap area is set as a target location. In addition, the number of times of irradiation can be reduced as compared with the method of irradiating the end of the photographing overlap area.

  An example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an X-ray tube angle change in which the angle of the X-ray tube is changed around the focal point of X-ray irradiation to change the laser beam irradiation direction of the laser line marker. Means are further provided. Accordingly, it is possible to cope with an X-ray imaging apparatus that sequentially captures an imaging range of each time by changing the angle of the X-ray tube around the focus of X-ray irradiation of the X-ray tube.

  An example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an X-ray tube that moves the X-ray tube in a direction parallel to the movement direction of the X-ray detector to move the laser beam irradiation position of the laser line marker. It further includes moving means. Accordingly, it is possible to correspond to an X-ray imaging apparatus that sequentially images the imaging range of each time by moving the X-ray tube in parallel with the moving direction of the X-ray detector.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the laser line marker is composed of a plurality of laser line markers, and irradiates predetermined different positions in the imaging overlap area. Since a plurality of laser line markers can clearly indicate different predetermined positions in the imaging overlap area, a plurality of locations can be confirmed simultaneously. Further, the number of confirmations can be reduced according to the number of laser line markers.

  According to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the imaging overlap area provided in the adjacent imaging range when the long imaging range is divided into a plurality of imaging ranges is not set as the target location of the subject. In order to confirm this, a predetermined position of the imaging overlap area is irradiated with a laser line marker. By using the laser line marker, it is possible to clearly irradiate a predetermined position of an imaging overlap area in an adjacent imaging range even when the imaging range is far away. Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the photographing overlap area is set as a target location, so that the photographing range can be easily set.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure where it uses for description of irradiation of the laser line marker which concerns on Example 1, Comprising: (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a long photographing range according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an X-ray imaging method according to the first embodiment. It is a figure where it uses for description of irradiation of the laser line marker which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining irradiation of a laser line marker according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining the irradiation of a laser line marker in Example 4, where (a) shows a case where both ends of the imaging range are irradiated, and (b) shows a case where both ends of the imaging overlap region are irradiated. , (C) is a case where the midpoint of two photographing overlap areas is irradiated.

  Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining irradiation of a laser line marker, (a) is a side view, (b) Is a plan view. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the long photographing range.

  Please refer to FIG. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is attached to the irradiation side of the X-ray tube 2 that irradiates the subject M with X-rays, and adjusts the X-ray irradiation field irradiated from the X-ray tube 2. Collimator 3, flat panel X-ray detector (hereinafter referred to as FPD) 4 that detects X-rays transmitted through subject M, and screen 5 that regulates the standing position of subject M In the case of the rank, the top plate).

  The collimator 3 includes a leaf (not shown) in order to adjust the X-ray irradiation field irradiated from the X-ray tube 2. The leaf is provided with two pairs of leafs arranged opposite to each other and arranged orthogonally. The irradiation field is adjusted by expanding or narrowing the opposing leaves. As shown in FIG. 2, a laser line marker 6 a is attached to the collimator 3 on the X-ray irradiation side. As shown in FIG. 2A, the laser beam LB irradiated from the laser line marker 6a passes through the center line FC of the X-ray bundle irradiated from the X-ray tube 2 and the body of the subject M. Irradiation is perpendicular to the axial direction (Z direction) when viewed from the X-ray tube 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the subject M is irradiated in a line by irradiating the laser beam LB from the laser line marker 6a in a fan shape. The laser line marker 6a is normally used when setting the range while irradiating the upper end (start position) t or the lower end (end position) b of the long photographing range L.

  Please refer to FIG. The FPD 4 is configured to move straight in a direction (vertical direction) parallel to the body axis direction of the subject M. The FPD 4 is provided with a movement mechanism (not shown) so as to move in accordance with the irradiation range of the X-ray tube 2 where X-ray irradiation is performed. The FPD 4 corresponds to the X-ray detector in the present invention.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 also changes the angle of the X-ray tube 2 so that the X-ray tube angle changing means 11 that changes the angle of the X-ray tube 2 and the direction in which the X-ray tube 2 irradiates can be understood. X-ray tube angle detection means 12 for detection is provided. The X-ray tube angle changing means 11 rotates around the focal point 2a of X-ray irradiation around the direction parallel to the direction perpendicular to the body axis direction of the subject M as viewed from the X-ray tube 2 side. Change the angle of the tube 2.

  Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 calculates an imaging distance detection unit 13 that detects an observation distance D from the focal point 2a of the X-ray irradiation of the X-ray tube 2 to the observation surface of the subject M, and a long imaging range L. A long shooting range calculation unit 14, a shooting range dividing unit 15 that divides the long shooting range L into a plurality of shooting ranges, a laser line marker irradiation control unit 16 that controls the irradiation and irradiation direction of the laser line marker 6a, and It has.

  The imaging distance detection means 13 includes a distance SID from the X-ray irradiation focal point 2a of the X-ray tube 2 to the detection surface of the FPD 4, a distance d from the detection surface of the FPD 4 to the surface of the partition 5, and the surface of the partition 5 from the surface to be covered. The imaging distance D is detected from the value of the distance x to the observation surface of the sample M. The distance SID is variable by a moving mechanism (not shown) and is always detected by a potentiometer. The distance d is a fixed value and is a value determined by inputting in advance. The distance x is determined by a value input from the operation panel 22 by the operator. That is, the shooting distance detection unit 13 detects the shooting distance D by D = SID− (d + x).

  The long imaging range calculation unit 14 irradiates the upper end position t and the lower end position b of the long imaging with the laser line marker 6a, and the angle α of each X-ray tube 2 detected by the X-ray tube angle detection unit 12. , Β and the imaging range D from the focal point 2a of the X-ray irradiation of the X-ray tube 2 to the observation surface of the subject M, the long imaging range L is calculated.

  The shooting range dividing unit 15 converts the long shooting range L calculated by the long shooting range calculation unit 14 into a plurality of shooting ranges so as to have a shooting overlap area OL in which a part of the adjacent shooting range overlaps. To divide.

  The laser line marker irradiation control means 16 calculates a predetermined position of the imaging range overlapping area OL based on the position data of the imaging ranges of the plurality of times divided by the imaging range dividing means 15, and the imaging overlapping area OL becomes the subject M. In order to confirm whether or not it is set as a target location, control is performed so that the laser line marker 6a irradiates a predetermined position of the imaging overlap area OL. The laser line marker irradiation control means 16 controls the X-ray tube angle changing means 11 to change the angle of the X-ray tube 2 so that the laser line marker 6a irradiates a predetermined position.

  Please refer to FIG. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 also includes an image collecting unit 17 that collects X-ray image data from the FPD 4, a storage unit 18 that temporarily stores the X-ray image data collected by the image collecting unit 17, and a storage unit 18. A plurality of continuous X-ray image data stored in the image recognition means 19 for recognizing and joining the imaging overlap area OL of adjacent X-ray image data, and image processing into a single long image data; Image display means (for example, a monitor) 20 for displaying long image data created by image processing by the image composition means 19 is provided.

  Further, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a control unit 21 that controls each component in an integrated manner, and an operation panel 22 that allows an operator to input settings and the like in X-ray imaging. The operation panel 22 confirms whether or not the radiographing button 22a for performing X-ray imaging and the radiographing overlap area OL provided in the adjacent radiographing range is set as a target location. And a rehearsal button 22b for irradiating the laser beam LB from the laser line marker 6a.

  Long imaging is performed by the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 having the above configuration.

  Next, an imaging method for long imaging in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a photographing method for long photographing, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining irradiation of a laser line marker. The description will be made with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, and other figures will be referred to if necessary.

(Step S01) Determination of Shooting Distance Refer to FIG. An imaging distance D from the focal point 2a of X-ray irradiation of the X-ray tube 2 to the observation surface of the subject M is determined. Specifically, from the focal point 2a of the X-ray irradiation of the X-ray tube 2, there is an observation surface that is parallel to the detection surface of the FPD 4 and has a region to be imaged of the subject M (for example, the observation target is the entire spine of the subject M). In this case, the distance between the focal point 2a and the observation surface of the subject M is defined as an imaging distance D when a line is drawn so as to be perpendicularly incident on a plane having a spinal column. The imaging distance D is the distance SID from the focal point 2a of the X-ray irradiation to the FPD detection surface, the distance d from the FPD4 detection surface to the surface of the screen 5, and the distance from the screen 5 to the observation surface of the subject. From the value of x, D = SID− (d + x) is detected. Then, this shooting distance D is fixed.

(Step S02) Determination of Long Shooting Range After determining the shooting distance D, the long shooting range L is determined. In the long imaging range L, the angle of the X-ray tube 2 is changed around the focal point 2a, and the laser line marker 6a of the collimator 3 attached to the X-ray irradiation side of the X-ray tube 2 is directed toward the subject M. It is determined by irradiating the laser beam LB and designating the upper end position t and the lower end position b. The laser beam LB is irradiated in a line so as to be orthogonal to the body axis direction of the subject M, that is, the moving direction of the FPD 4 when viewed from the X-ray tube 2 side. Then, positioning is performed while irradiating the upper end position t of the subject M with the laser beam LB, and a position determination button (not shown) on the operation panel 22 is pressed to designate the upper end position t. Then, the X-ray tube angle detection means 12 detects the angle α of the X-ray tube 2 in the state where the upper end position t is irradiated with the laser beam LB, based on the electrical signal of the information that the position determination button is pressed. Similarly, positioning is performed while irradiating the lower end position b of the subject M with the laser beam LB, and a position determination button (not shown) is pressed to designate the lower end position b. Then, the X-ray tube angle detection means 12 detects the angle β of the X-ray tube 2. The long imaging range calculation means 14 geometrically calculates and determines the long imaging range L from the angles α and β of the X-ray tube 2 and the imaging distance D described above.

(Step S03) Division of Long Shooting Range Reference is made to FIG. After the long shooting range L is determined, the long shooting range L is divided into a plurality of shooting ranges. The long imaging range L is divided into a plurality of imaging ranges within a range in which X-rays transmitted through the subject M are within the detection surface of the FPD 4. At this time, the photographing overlap area OL is provided so that adjacent photographing ranges partially overlap (for example, 2 to 3 cm). For example, the long photographing range L may be divided into equidistant photographing ranges by specifying the number of divisions. In the present embodiment, a description will be given taking an imaging range divided into three times as an example.

(Step S04) Confirmation of the imaging range of each time After the division of the long imaging range L, the imaging overlap area OL provided in the adjacent imaging range is particularly a place where observation is desired, or where X-ray irradiation is desired to be suppressed, etc. In order to confirm whether or not it is set as a target location, the laser line marker 6a irradiates a predetermined position of the imaging overlap region OL. The irradiation of the laser line marker 6a is performed based on information that the rehearsal button 22b of the operation panel 22 is pressed. Here, a method of irradiating the end of the imaging overlap area OL, that is, the end of each X-ray imaging range, as a predetermined position of the imaging overlap area OL irradiated by the laser line marker 6a will be described.

  When the rehearsal button 22 b of the operation panel 22 is pressed, information that the rehearsal button 22 b is pressed is sent to the laser line marker irradiation control means 16 via the control unit 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the laser line marker irradiation control means 16 uses the laser line marker 6a based on the position data of a plurality of divided ranges divided by the photographing range dividing means 15 to set the first photographing range P1. One end A1, that is, the upper end position t is irradiated. At this time, the operator can confirm the end A1.

  Based on the information that the rehearsal button 22b is pressed again, the other end B1 of the first imaging range P1 is irradiated. Similarly, based on the information that the rehearsal button 22b is pressed again, the second position A2 is irradiated and repeated, so that the position B2 → the position A3 → the position B3 (the lower end position b) is sequentially irradiated. Can confirm each position. By irradiating the end of the imaging overlap area OL in this way, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the imaging overlap area OL provided in the adjacent imaging range is set as a target location of the subject M. Therefore, the shooting range can be easily set.

  If there is a point of interest in the shooting overlap area OL, the process returns to step S03 to divide the long shooting range. For example, when the number of divisions is 2, the number of divisions is set to 3 times. The imaging overlap area OL may be removed from the target location of the sample M.

(Step S05) X-ray imaging After confirmation of the imaging range each time, X-ray imaging is started. As shown in FIG. 5, X-ray imaging is performed in order from the upper end position t side to the lower end position b in a plurality of imaging ranges (P1, P2, P3) divided by the imaging range dividing unit 15. X-ray imaging is performed based on information that the imaging button 22a on the operation panel 22 has been pressed. X-ray imaging is performed by irradiating X-rays by changing the angle of the X-ray tube 2 by the X-ray tube angle changing means 5 so as to irradiate the first imaging range P1. Then, the X-ray irradiation is performed by changing the angle so that the X-ray irradiation is performed in the second imaging range P2 and the third imaging range P3. During X-ray imaging, the FPD 4 moves to each position in each imaging range. X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 2 pass through the subject M and enter the FPD 4. It is converted into an electric signal by the FPD 4 based on the incident X-ray. The converted electrical signal of the X-ray image data is collected by the image collecting means 17 and temporarily stored in the storage means 18.

(Steps S06, S07) Image composition processing / Long image display A plurality of pieces of X-ray image data temporarily stored in the storage means 18 are read out, and an image overlapping area OL of the X-ray image data is read out by the image composition means 19. Image processing is performed to convert continuous X-ray image data captured by being divided into a plurality of times into one piece of long image data. The long image data is displayed by the image display means 20. The long image data may be used by another device such as a personal computer via a network.

  According to the X-ray imaging apparatus as described above, when confirming whether or not the imaging overlap area OL provided in the imaging range adjacent to the long imaging range L is set at the target location of the subject M, the laser By using the line marker 6a, it is possible to clearly irradiate the shooting overlap area OL of the adjacent shooting range even when the shooting range is far away. In addition, by clearly irradiating the end of the overlapping imaging range L, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the imaging overlapping area OL provided in the adjacent imaging range is set as a target location of the subject M. it can. Therefore, it is possible to easily set the shooting range.

  Further, since the position can be confirmed without darkening the photographing room, the photographing range can be confirmed without giving the subject M fear of photographing. Further, since the laser line marker 6a has a longer life than a conventionally used collimator lamp, the product life of the entire apparatus can be extended.

  Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the irradiation of the laser line marker according to the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, a method of irradiating the end of the overlapping imaging region as a predetermined position of the imaging overlapping region OL irradiated by the laser line marker 6a is used. However, the imaging overlapping region OL has a length (of an adjacent imaging range). Since the edge of the overlapping area is narrow (for example, between the position A2 and the position B1 in FIG. 5), the middle point of the overlapping imaging area may be irradiated. In addition, description of the part which overlaps with Example 1 mentioned above is abbreviate | omitted (Examples 3 and 4 are also the same).

  Please refer to FIG. The midpoint of the imaging overlap area OL in the adjacent imaging range is irradiated by the laser line marker 6a. Irradiation is performed as follows. When the rehearsal button 22 b of the operation panel 22 is pressed, information that the rehearsal button 22 b is pressed is sent to the laser line marker irradiation control means 16 via the control unit 21. The laser line marker irradiation control means 16 irradiates the upper end position t based on the position data of a plurality of divided ranges divided by the imaging range dividing means 15. Then, based on the information that the rehearsal button 22b is pressed again, the midpoint C1 of the overlapping area OL provided in the first and second shooting ranges is irradiated. Similarly, the middle point C2 of the photographing overlap range provided in the second photographing range and the third photographing range is irradiated, and the position B3 (lower end position b) is irradiated.

  By irradiating the midpoint of the imaging overlap area OL in this way, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the imaging overlap area OL provided in the adjacent imaging range is set as a target location of the subject M. In addition, the number of times of irradiation can be reduced as compared with the method of irradiating the end of the photographing overlap area OL.

  Note that the operator selects either the end of the overlapping imaging area or the middle point of the overlapping imaging area as the predetermined position of the imaging overlapping area OL irradiated by the laser line marker 6a. You may control so that it can.

  Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  Please refer to FIG. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 described above includes an X-ray tube angle changing unit 11 and an X-ray tube angle detecting unit 12 that change the X-ray angle. Thereby, in order to irradiate each position, the angle of the X-ray tube 2 is changed around the focal point 2a, and the angle of the X-ray tube 2 is detected. However, the configuration is not limited to this. An X-ray tube moving means 31 that moves the X-ray tube 2 in a direction parallel to the body axis direction of the subject M, that is, a direction parallel to the direction in which the FPD 4 moves linearly, and an X-ray tube that detects the position of the X-ray tube 2 Position detecting means 32 may be provided.

  The X-ray tube 2 is moved by the X-ray tube moving means 31 in a direction parallel to the linearly moving direction of the FPD 4, and the upper end position t and the lower end position b of the long photographing are irradiated with the laser line marker 6a, while the X-ray tube Each position is detected by the position detection means 32. Then, the long photographing range L is determined from the upper end position t and the lower end position b. After the long imaging range L is divided into a plurality of imaging ranges and before X-ray imaging, the laser line marker irradiation control means 16 moves the X-ray tube 2 by the X-ray tube moving means 31 and moves the laser line. The marker 6a is sequentially irradiated at a predetermined position in the imaging overlap area OL provided in the adjacent imaging range. Thereby, the operator can confirm each predetermined position.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views for explaining the irradiation of the laser line marker in the fourth embodiment, where FIG. 8A is a case where both ends of the imaging range are irradiated, and FIG. (C) is a case of irradiating the middle point of two photographing overlap areas.

  The above-described X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes one laser line marker 6a, and in order to confirm whether or not the imaging overlap area OL provided in the adjacent imaging range is set as a target location of the subject M. The laser line marker 6a irradiates a predetermined position in the overlapping area OL. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 may be configured by a plurality of laser line markers and irradiate different predetermined positions in the imaging overlap area OL provided in the imaging range adjacent to the long imaging range. In this embodiment, an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 including two laser line markers 6a and 7b will be described.

  Reference is made to FIG. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a laser line marker 6 a on the X-ray irradiation side of a collimator 3 attached to the X-ray tube 2. Apart from this, a laser line marker 6b is further provided. While the laser line marker 6a is fixed, the laser line marker 6b includes means for changing the irradiation direction (not shown). Thereby, the laser beam LB functions to irradiate in a direction different from the laser line marker 6a. The laser line marker 6b may be configured to be provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 through a means for changing the irradiation direction, which is different from the X-ray tube angle changing means 11.

  Examples of the irradiation method using the two laser line markers 6a and 6b include the following. In FIG. 8A, the laser line markers 6a and 6b sequentially irradiate both end portions of the respective shooting ranges obtained by dividing the long shooting range L. Thereby, the imaging range of each time can be confirmed. In FIG. 8B, the laser line markers 6a and 6b irradiate both ends of the imaging overlap area OL provided in the adjacent imaging range. Thereby, a photographing overlap area can be confirmed. FIG. 8C irradiates the midpoint of two imaging overlap areas OL provided in three imaging ranges where the laser line markers 6a and 6b are continuous. Thereby, the position of the adjacent photographing overlap area can be confirmed.

  As described above, by providing the two laser line markers 6a and 6b, the two laser markers 6a and 6b can clearly indicate predetermined different positions of the imaging overlap area OL, so that two locations can be confirmed simultaneously. it can. Thereby, it can be confirmed more accurately whether or not the photographing overlap area OL is set as a target location. Moreover, since different positions can be irradiated simultaneously, the number of times of irradiation can be reduced.

  In the above-described configuration of the present embodiment, the laser line marker 6a is fixed and the laser line marker 6b includes means for changing the irradiation direction (not shown). However, the irradiation direction of both the two laser line markers 6a and 6b is changed. Means for changing may be provided. Moreover, you may provide not only two but three or more laser line markers.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 emits X-rays from the X-ray tube 2 disposed on the side toward the subject M in the standing posture. Not limited. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 irradiates X-rays from the X-ray tube 2 disposed above the subject M with the subject M lying on the top of the bed and facing the subject M. Good.

  (2) In each of the embodiments described above, the FPD 4 is used as the X-ray detector, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image intensifier (II) may be used for the X-ray detector.

  (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the laser beam LB emitted from the laser line marker is emitted in a line shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the existing laser line marker, a laser line marker is further provided, that is, the laser beams LB irradiated in the line shape of two laser line markers are orthogonally arranged so as to be irradiated in a cross shape. You may do it. For example, a set of two laser line markers is used, and one laser beam LB line is irradiated so as to be orthogonal to the body axis direction of the subject M when viewed from the X-ray tube 2, and another laser beam is emitted. The line of LB may be irradiated so as to pass through the body axis of the subject M, and not only the end in the length direction parallel to the body axis direction of the long imaging range L but also the end in the width direction. You may irradiate the corner part of the rectangular irradiation range so that a part may also be clearly shown.

  (4) In Examples 1 to 3 described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is provided with one line laser marker 6 a attached to the collimator 3 and fixed, and the angle of the X-ray tube 2 is changed. Or by moving the X-ray tube 2 in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the FPD 4 to irradiate a predetermined position of the imaging overlap region OL, but is not limited thereto. For example, the laser line marker 6a may include a means for changing the irradiation direction, and may be configured to irradiate a predetermined position of the imaging overlap area OL. Further, the laser line marker 6a is provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 via a means for changing the irradiation direction, which is different from the X-ray tube angle changing means 11, and irradiates a predetermined position of the imaging overlap area OL. You may comprise as follows.

2 ... X-ray tube 2a ... Focus 4 ... Flat panel X-ray detector (FPD)
6a, 6b ... Laser line marker 11 ... X-ray tube angle changing means 12 ... X-ray tube angle detecting means 14 ... Long imaging range calculating means 15 ... Imaging range dividing means 31 ... X-ray tube moving means 32 ... X-ray tube position Detection means FC ... X-ray bundle center line L ... Long imaging range D ... Imaging distance OL ... Imaging overlap area

Claims (6)

A collimator for adjusting the X-ray irradiation field, an X-ray tube for irradiating the subject with X-rays,
An X-ray detector for detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject;
A laser line marker for irradiating a laser beam irradiated in a line in a direction orthogonal to the body axis direction of the subject as viewed from the X-ray tube;
A shooting range dividing means for dividing the set long shooting range into a plurality of shooting ranges so as to have a shooting overlap area in which a part of the adjacent shooting ranges overlaps;
Laser line marker irradiation for calculating the imaging overlap area based on position data of a plurality of imaging ranges divided by the imaging range dividing means, and performing control to irradiate the imaging overlap area with laser light from the laser line marker Control means;
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
An X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the predetermined position of the imaging overlap area is an end of the imaging overlap area. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
An X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the predetermined position of the imaging overlap area is a midpoint of the imaging overlap area. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
X-ray imaging characterized by further comprising X-ray tube angle changing means for changing the irradiation direction of the laser beam of the laser line marker by changing the angle of the X-ray tube around the focal point of X-ray irradiation. apparatus. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
X-ray tube moving means for moving the X-ray tube in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the X-ray detector to move the irradiation position of the laser beam of the laser line marker is further provided. Shooting device. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the laser line marker is composed of a plurality of laser line markers and irradiates different predetermined positions in the imaging overlap area.

Images